Does a Back Brace Really Help?

Typical back braces can be rigid or flexible and most are designed to provide support for the back muscles and spinal structures. Other types of braces are utilized to treat scoliosis
or other abnormal spinal curvature issues. Back supports are fitted around
the body in the affected area and are intended to help limit the motion of the
protected region. A brace is a useful tool to assist in supporting a fractured
vertebrae or to aid in the healing after back surgery. Some
specialty braces are especially useful at creating limited motion in the
vertebral column after spinal fusion
surgery, in order to create a more solid fusion of the newly operated
spinal bones.

This discussion provides an overview of the rewards and downsides of wearing a back brace.

Types of Back Braces

Rigid braces are custom fitted, expensive and very
uncomfortable. They are often prescribed by a doctor to correct posture
or a spinal curvature.

Elastic
back pain support braces
are more flexible and remind the wearer to move correctly, more
then actually limiting back movement. These soft braces are better used
as an aid to bending and lifting properly, since they do not actually
regulate back motion at all. There are also special elastic braces to help reduce
pregnancy back pain.

A great number of back pain relief products utilize the brace
style in combination with other treatment protocols, such as TENS or
even traction.

Many of these are controversial devices, with many more
scamming patients out of their money than actually helping anyone to
recover from pain. Always beware when spending a considerable sum of
money on any brace purchase. If the product makes claims which seem too
good to be realistic, you are likely in for a big disappointment if you
decide to buy.

Back Braces for Scoliosis

The use of an orthotic brace is a very effective tool in controlling the worsening of a
scoliosis
curvature in many patients. A brace is prescribed as soon as the curvature is showing signs that it might become a problem.

An orthotic brace is generally used to treat spinal curves more than 10 degrees and less than 45 degrees.
In order for a brace to help, it must be worn 16 to 23 hours a day, every day.
The brace must be worn as long as the child is still actively growing.
The younger the child, the longer they will have to wear this brace.

Scoliosis braces are rarely used in adults, since the adult spine
is mature and no longer growing. However, some adults find that
special support braces may allow them to find greater comfort with
significant scoliosis issues and may also help them to avoid surgical
correction.

A
scoliosis brace
will not usually correct an existing spinal curve. It may correct
some degree of curvature short term, but the curve will usually return
when use is discontinued. An indicated brace is 90% effective in
preventing mild to moderate curves from becoming worse in appropriately
treated patients. A brace will not help a severe curve in most
instances.

The old fashioned Milwaukee Brace is rarely used anymore.
It is bulky and obvious. It is made of metal and limits movement and
freedom considerably. Newer molded plastic braces (thoracolumbosacral orthotic braces)
are much less noticeable and allow more freedom of movement. Some are
even designed in cool colors and designs to make a child feel better
about using it.

Orthotic designers are working on new designs that might be even
more flexible. There are several new ideas in development, using the
latest in high tech materials to provide flexible support.

Back Brace Recommendations

Use of a supportive back brace for an extended time can weaken the
back muscles and cause them to atrophy. Do not become dependent on an
orthotic device if possible. A better idea is to build up the back
muscles so that they can support themselves.

My experience with support braces was not very positive. I have
tried several different styles of soft braces in my many years suffering
with horrible
lower back pain.
None of them helped at all and I found no reason to use one for my particular condition.

I think for treatment of scoliosis or post-surgery, an orthotic
brace is a useful tool. However, for the average person with lower or
middle back pain, a brace is illogical and may even be
counterproductive.

Any care provider who informs you that a soft style
brace will prevent motion in a spinal region or help to strengthen the
back muscles is lying. These types of tactics are used exclusively to
sell these overpriced items to desperate patients. Do the research and learn the truth for yourself. Back braces
can be useful in particular circumstances, but are not needed or helpful
(except by placebo effect and conditioned response) for the vast
majority of patients.

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